Is SNL Right-Wing Propaganda?

Since its debut in 1975, Saturday Night Live has gleefully roasted Republican and Democratic presidents alike in its weekly bid for a laugh. But with the presidency now in Democratic control, some liberals aren't laughing. Ethan Porter at True/Slant is so ticked off by weeks of sketches ragging on President Obama's first 100 days in office and lampooning his stimulus plan that he calls the show a "right-wing propaganda organ." His reasoning? SNL's long anti-Obama streak reveals the comedians' and creator's bias:

SNL’s anti-Obama tidings have been visible for some time ... Perhaps
that’s because the show, fat and rich in its old age, reflects the
politics of its executive producer, Lorne Michaels, who maxed out to
McCain in 08. Granted, he also gave to Obama–but not until the general
election. His heart was with McCain from the beginning–he was a donor
way back in 2000, too–and seems like it still might be. Or perhaps the
Obama fatigue that has occurred is hard to mine for comedy. Better to
stick to the easy yet facile right wing arguments–we owe the Chinese
money!–than engage with anything a bit complicated.

Whatever the case, SNL is now an anti-Obama conservative comedy
show. It’s certainly better than Fox’s ill-fated attempt to make a
right-wing Daily Show. But conservative is what it is.

This article is from the archive of our partner The Wire.

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